L.A. Times - College Basketball

Miami officials make case to NCAA

Wire reports — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:52:00 PDT

Infractions case hearing against University of Miami opens.

The NCAA opened a key hearing in the infractions case against the University of Miami on Thursday, with school officials, former coaches and the ACC commissioner on hand in Indianapolis to defend the Hurricanes against allegations that could bring severe sanctions in the improper benefits case involving ex-booster Nevin Shapiro.

Pac-12 Conference looks to the safety of its athletes

Chris Dufresne — Tue, 4 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

A 'head trauma task force' is an element of a conference initiative. Meanwhile, Commissioner Larry Scott says Pac-12 Networks had successful first year.

The Pac-12 Conference is working on an initiative to improve the health and safety of its more than 7,000 athletes. The elements of the initiative include a "head trauma task force" and "football contact reduction."

Rutgers' Julie Hermann has no plans to resign

Associated Press — Mon, 27 May 2013 22:34:00 PDT

Rutgers President Robert Barchi said the university looks forward to her running the athletic department.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Julie Hermann is not resigning as Rutgers' incoming athletic director following a report that 16 years ago she humiliated and emotionally abused players while coaching the women's volleyball team at Tennessee. And the university is standing behind her.

Pac-12's Larry Scott is highest-paid commissioner

Staff and wire reports — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:49:00 PDT

Scott earned more than $3 million in 2011-12, according to tax documents released Sunday.

Larry Scott of the Pac-12 Conference appears to be the highest-paid sitting college commissioner ever, the Wall Street Journal reported. Scott earned more than $3 million in 2011-12, according to tax documents released by the conference Sunday.

New UCLA basketball Coach Steve Alford's honeymoon was very short

By Chris Foster — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:45:00 PDT

What seemed like a perfect match got mired in controversy the very day Steve Alford was introduced at UCLA. Now fans are skeptical, and he has his work cut out.

UCLA and Steve Alford.

UCLA Coach Steve Alford, New Mexico haggling over contract details

By Chris Foster — Wed, 1 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

University of New Mexico says the basketball coach owes them $1 million under contract extension terms. Alford has offered $200,000 and says the new pact never became effective.

UCLA basketball Coach Steve Alford is still trying to disentangle himself from the University of New Mexico.

Reggie Theus brings star power to Cal State Northridge

By Gary Klein — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:30:00 PDT

The former NBA player, broadcaster and coach is happy to have a job close to home and looks forward to the task of turning around a program that finished 14-17 last season.

Reggie Theus played in the NBA for more than a decade, covered the league as a broadcaster and coached the Sacramento Kings.

It's full speed ahead as Louisville beats Michigan for NCAA title

Chris Dufresne — Mon, 8 Apr 2013 23:14:00 PDT

Cardinals' relentless, fast-paced approach pays off in a thrilling title game as they outlast Wolverines 82-76, a win they dedicate to injured teammate Kevin Ware.

ATLANTA — Scoring is down, players leave early and the best action on television today is still probably 1980s replays of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Michigan-Louisville NCAA title game: Gratitude adjustment required

Chris Dufresne — Mon, 8 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Either team would have thank-you notes to hand out if it wins — especially Wolverines, who, like many NCAA champs, survived at least one close scrape en route to final.

ATLANTA — Michigan will have three or four thank-you notes to hand out should it win Monday night's national championship game against Louisville at the Georgia Dome.

NCAA Final Four outcomes are not shocking

Chris Dufresne — Sat, 6 Apr 2013 21:46:00 PDT

Louisville and Michigan are worthy finalists, but underdog Wichita State deserved a jump ball's chance at a big upset.

ATLANTA -- Florida Gulf Coast was a carnival cruise while it lasted and Wichita State was a hoot, but there will be nothing "mid" about the majors playing for Monday's national title.